Rekey services for residential and commercial. FA Locksmith in Raleigh and surrounding areas can help. Call now!
In today blog post we will discuss lock rekey which is one of the most common locksmith services we offer and one that is a very good solution for most new home business owners. FA Locksmith is proud to provide rekey and master rekey services for both residential and commercial customers in Raleigh Durham metro area and would be happy to assist you with any question you have.
What is locks rekey?
Rekeying locks involves changing the internal mechanism of a lock so that it can be operated by a different key with the same key way. This is important because you can only change the key of the same lock brand. For example: In case you have Schlage locks, you will be able to rekey them to a different Schlage key but not to a Kwikset key. The process of rekeying does not require replacing the entire lock but rather involves changing the lock’s pins or tumblers to match a new key. This As a result, the old key won’t be useful anymore while allowing the new key to operate it.
On the other hand, changing locks refers to removing the existing lock and replacing it with a totally new one. This involves installing an entirely different lock mechanism, latch etc. which comes with a new set of keys. Changing locks provides a complete replacement of the lock and matching keys.
Here are the main differences between rekeying locks and changing them:
- Cost: Rekeying locks is generally more cost-effective compared to changing locks since it only involves replacing the internal pins or tumblers. Changing locks requires purchasing entirely new locksets, which can be more expensive. Most often rekeying locks is half as expensive as changing the locks.
- Security: Rekeying locks provide a level of security by preventing the use of old keys. However, if the existing lock is compromised or damaged, changing locks may be a more appropriate option for enhancing security. In most cases, where the locks function fine, there is no real need to change the lock.
- Convenience: Rekeying locks is a quicker process compared to changing locks. In addition, once a locksmith rekey the lock, it can match it to a different, already installed lock you have. Changing locks may involve more time and effort, as it requires physically removing the old lock and installing a new one which most often requires an additional adjustment to the door.
- Key Control: Rekeying locks allows for key control, meaning you have control over who can access your property (contractors, previous owners, tenants etc). By using a new key, you can ensure that the previous key holders no longer have access. In this regard, changing locks also offers the same level of key control.
If it’s still hard for you to decide if you want to change or rekey your locks, you should consider factors such as your budget, security needs, and convenience. If you’re looking to prevent the use of old keys while maintaining the same locks, rekeying is a suitable option.
However, if you want to upgrade security or if the existing locks are damaged or don’t function well, changing locks may be the better choice.
As always, remember that you don’t have to make this decision alone. FA locksmith can come to you and offer you the best solution for your needs and budget. We work with all lock brands and our mobile unit has a huge variety of locks for you to choose from in case you want to replace your locks.
How much does it usually cost to rekey your locks?
It really depends on the types of locks you have. For most residential locks it usually costs between $20-$50, depends on the labor.
For commercial locks it may be higher, especially for emergency exit devices (where we have to take the exit device off the door first) and special locks.
For a more accurate quote and information, give us a call any time.
